Greene
Employers may receive tax credits for hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities under a new law supported by a local representative.
State Rep. Robb Greene, R-Shelbyville, supported House Bill 1454, which includes provisions that will give employers an added incentive to hire more Hoosiers with physical or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nearly 80% of people facing a disability are unemployed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
This language was originally included in HB 1559, authored by Greene, but was later included in HB 1454, authored by Rep. Craig Snow, R-Warsaw, which addresses taxation and other subjects. HB 1454 has been signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“Hoosiers with disabilities are valued community members and can be a great asset to any workforce,” Greene said in a news release on the law. “This law adds an incentive for employers to fill positions with ready and willing workers who should not be overlooked.”
Employers who receive a referral from a vocational rehabilitation services program for individuals with a disability and hire them will be eligible to receive a tax credit. The amount of the tax credit will be determined based on the employee’s tenure, according to the news release.
In the first tax year of employment, the credit will be worth 30% of the wages, 40% in the second and 50% from the third year onward. This credit plan is only applicable to employers that qualify as a benefit corporation, the news release says.
For employers who do not qualify as a benefit corporation, the credit will be worth 20% of all wages paid in the first tax year since employment, 30% in the second year and 40% from the third year onward.
“My son is autistic and one thing that’s always on my mind is what will happen to him once I’m gone,” Greene said. “I hope this new law will help more families answer that question by giving more Hoosiers with a disability the dignity and independence that comes from meaningful work.”
Tax credits will apply for those who hire a person with disabilities after Dec. 31, 2023.
